Leggie might be wildcard for England: coach

NEW coach Trevor Bayliss has pulled the first surprise of his time as England coach, naming Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid in the 13-man squad for the first Test against Australia next Wednesday.

Rashid, impressive with bat and ball in the recent one-day series against New Zealand, was not included in the squad that spent four days bonding with the new coach at a training camp in Spain earlier this week.

But Bayliss said he had been impressed by what he had seen of Rashid (pictured) against New Zealand.

"The good thing is, he's a leg-spinner who moves the ball both ways. If any spinner can get the batter to make a decision, he's in with a chance of taking a wicket or the batter making a mistake," the New South Welshman said.

"With this weather around, nice warm weather, it gives us the option."